Next week I will participate in a panel with other artists to discuss the 'art of pricing'. There is an art to everything and pricing artwork to sell is no exception.

While pricing in and of itself is not necessarily an art, it's just slapping a number on a tag, right? It is obvious if you have ever helped with intake for an art exhibit that it takes some expertise to slap the tag with the 'right' number.

There is always one artist in the exhibit who will price a piece so low, in order to sell it, that they instantly under value their work and the whole exhibit. Even more common however is the artist who will ask 'the big price' when a piece or the exhibit is clearly not 'big price caliber'.

Often emotions play a big role in the pricing decision; the artist loves the piece themselves and doesn't really want to part with it, the artist is feeling a little insecure or hasn't done their homework and therefore misjudges the level of the exhibit, or they mistakenly believe that they should be paid for every minute they labored on a piece. What one must remember is that often an artist's work does not evoke the same emotion from their audience as it does for them and this is an important consideration when pricing their artwork to sell.

There are of course more things to consider when determining the right price to generate a sale, this is just a short list, but in summary; when pricing you should ask yourself; Do I want to sell this piece or do I just want to display it for the viewer to enjoy? What is the caliber of the exhibit and the artists who will be exhibiting with me? Will those viewing the exhibit be of the same caliber? Finally, consider; What is a price that will then validate me as an artist and cause me to feel like I have been 'well enough' compensated for my effort.

If you have a chance please consider joining us, the many viewpoints on the subject should provoke some good discussion.

Every 4-6 weeks I will share with you information about an interesting friend or artist that I think you would like to know. In turn if you know of someone you think I would like to meet please go to contact screen and leave me their information. Connecting with others helps us to expand and/or refine our creative point of view and grows our network of friends. Thanks -ia

Most of us have a little artist inside us who wants to poke their creativity out from time to time. All that is needed is for us to give them a little nudge and a little 'nuture' to get them started, and in time the little artist will become brave.

This week think of ways you can awaken or motivate the little artist inside of you.

Start by buying a small sketch book to keep in your bag or car. Next get a marker, pen or pencil. One that feels good sitting in your hand and if a pen, one where the ink flows easily. I like a Bic Gel pen - you can get them in colors that are fun to write with.

Whenever you are waiting at the Dr's office, for your child to get out of their dance lesson, for the ball game to start or that conference call to end......... grab the sketchbook and start doodling. This is where it all begins. - i

Lillianah discovered her inner artist when Gigi gave her a face painting kit for Christmas.

All images copyright Linda Wood Shotwell

A Little About Us —

Theindalay art studio was formed with the goal of providing a place to blog and share inspiration. To publicize opportunities for the 'artist inside all of us' to practice their craft, learn new skills, and find places to exhibit and sell their work. If you would like to be a part of indalay art studio please subscribe below.